There are two types of diabetes, which formerly were known as juvenile-onset and adult-onset diabetes, and are now referred to simply as Type I and Type II. The age designations have been blurred as more adolescents become afflicted by the ‘adult-onset’ variety, and more adults become afflicted with ‘juvenile-onset’ diabetes, so the misleading type names were dropped in favor of the simpler I and II designations.

Diabetes results from either the body’s inability to produce insulin, or to properly use the insulin which is produced. Insulin is largely responsible for enabling the body to use glucose, and when ingested glucose cannot be used, it backs up into the bloodstream, causing significant health issues.

Symptoms which may be markers for diabetes

There are many symptoms which can be warning signs of diabetes, but one of the most common predictors is family history – families having a high incidence of diabetes seem to pass it on to successive generations. When accompanied by some of the traditional symptoms, it becomes an even greater indicator of the disease’s presence.

Diabetes is often characterized by unusual thirst and frequent urination; skin, bladder, or gum infections; unexplained weight loss; atypical hunger; blurriness of vision; persistent irritability; wounds that either don’t heal or take a very long time to heal; and a tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet. Sometimes in cases where the onset of the disease is very gradual, there are no obvious symptoms at all, and the afflicted person is unaware of it for months or even years.

Type I causes

While the causes of both types of diabetes is not known with certainty at present, research has revealed some of the secrets of this powerful affliction. In the Type I version, the body’s own immune cells have destroyed the body cells where insulin is manufactured, so that insulin is not made naturally at all anymore.

The reasons for the immune system attack are not understood, although some theories suggest that genetic risk factors are present in affected individuals, while other theories point to environmental factors as a more likely culprit. Still another body of thinking holds that the immune system attack occurs after an individual has been stricken with a specific kind of virus. In any case, since insulin is not made by the body anymore, the person becomes dependent on artificial insulin to be supplied regularly.

Type II causes

In this type of diabetes, the body still produces insulin, but either not enough of it is produced, or the body does not use it efficiently enough. As a person ages, this type of diabetes becomes more of a risk, especially if genetics are accompanied by poor lifestyle habits. Obesity and inactivity for instance, are thought to be major contributors to a lifestyle conducive to developing diabetes.

Another factor that increases the likelihood for Type II diabetes is one’s ethnic heritage. People of certain ethnic backgrounds seem to be significantly more prone to contracting diabetes, especially African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans.

While diabetes cannot be cured, its effects can be managed by maintaining blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. It also helps to achieve a modest weight loss, adhere to a healthy diet and adopt a more active lifestyle which includes regular exercise.